By Malin Nyberg

Last updated at 11:23, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Alan Sewell has been a member of the Friday Club for 13 years.

Some have just arrived, and some have been there for many, many years. Now they want you to join in.

It is mid afternoon in Netherhall School’s Education Centre. Outside the sun is shining, but that doesn’t stop Liz Percival and her friends from attending their weekly Art and Craft club.

“I’ve been coming here for about 10 years”, Liz smiles.

Every Friday, the members of the club meet for a workshop in the centre’s conference room. Each person brings their own material, and the sessions are free.

“We pay 50p each per session, but that’s for the rent of the room.

“The classes are not being led by a teacher, instead the idea is to give each other advice and opinions,” Liz explains.

The Friday Club kicked off as a sister group to the Cumbria Arts Society about 15 years ago.

The chairman of CAS at that time, Bill Maughan, came up with the idea of having informal meetings where people could paint and draw during Friday afternoons.

“Bill was a very experienced artist, and you could say he almost volunteered as our teacher,” Liz says. “When he passed away eight years ago, we decided to keep on going.”

Membership has varied through the years, and right now the club is taking steps to attract more people.

“Until recently we were only an art club, but we’ve now decided to invite craftspeople as well.

“We are also trying to spread more information about us, during art exhibitions and by leaflets.

“Anyone is welcome, beginners as well as experienced.”

Alan Sewell joined the Friday Club in 1995.

“I had no experience, but I had always said I’d take up painting when I retired. I have learned a lot during the past 13 years thanks to those workshops,” he says.

Kenneth Hitchen has been attending the Friday club for eight years.

“I was away for two years, when I was in hospital, and I must say I really missed the club during that time. This is big part of my social life,” he adds.

Barbara Hellswood, of Workington, is attending the club for the first time.

“I came to the art and crafts fair here at Netherhall last weekend, and got talking to Liz. There are not many classes about in the area.

“I like the fact that this club lets you do your own thing, I will definitely keep on coming”, she says.

For more information, call 01900 815765.

First published at 16:14, Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Published by http://www.maryportlocal.co.uk